After handing over the title to the new WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea two weekends ago, Sylvain Guintoli is now ready to tackle the Fassi French Round at Magny-Cours. The 33-year-old Frenchman, who now lives in the UK with his family, has enjoyed a great amount of success in the last three years at his home track as he always stood on the podium, twice on the top step.

“Magny-Cours is a very special track for me” said Guintoli, “and there is a special atmosphere, too. Over the years lots of fans have come to the track to support me, with good and bad weather. For me this is the race of the year.

I love the layout, it’s fast and flowing and has a bit of everything, including many overtaking opportunities. At the Adelaide hairpin you enter the turn at such slow speed that you can hear the crowd cheering. It is also a good track for spectators as there are a couple of spots where you can see a big part of the circuit. I’ve had some amazing battles here.”